Ensembles

The University of Waterloo Department of Music at Conrad Grebel University College invites all students, faculty, staff, and community members to join any of the five musical ensembles that it sponsors and organizes. Each ensemble listed below can be taken for credit (0.25 credits each; see note on ensemble course numbers at the bottom of this page) or as an extracurricular activity. Regular attendance at rehearsals is required, and attendance at dress rehearsals and performances is mandatory. Most groups present a concert during the term. Audition sign up sheets are available outside the music office (room 1104) a few weeks prior to the start of the term. See auditions requirements.

Ensembles available: University Choir, Chamber Choir, Chapel Choir, Instrumental Chamber Ensembles, Stage Band and Vocal Techniques

Choral ensembles

The University Choir meets every Tuesday in the Conrad Grevel University College (CGUC) Chapel from 7:00 to 10:00 pm beginning the first week of classes each term. This large choir of approximately 90 singers performs a variety of works from the past and present. A brief vocal interview is required. Acceptance into the University Choir is by interview and at the discretion of the director, Gerard Yun.

The Chamber Choir meets every Tuesday and Thursday in the CGUC Chapel from 4:00-5:30 p.m. beginning the first week of classes (fall and winter terms only). This small ensemble of about 25 voices performs madrigals, motets, cantatas and other works suitable for a small choir. Acceptance into the UW Chamber Choir is by audition and at the discretion of the director, Leonard Enns.

The Chapel Choir, under the direction of Kenneth Hull, meets every Monday from 3:30 to 5:00 pm and Wednesday from 3:30 to 5:30 pm in the CGUC Chapel beginning the first week of classes (fall and winter terms only). This choir is a group of about 30 singers who participate in college chapel services (Wednesday, 4:30-5:30 p.m.) and visit area churches. The choir tours annually at the end of April, and has established an ongoing series of CDs with recordings every few years. Acceptance into Chapel Choir is by audition and at the discretion of the director. The Agnes Giesbrecht Choral Music Scholarship is normally awarded in the spring for the upcoming year.

Instrumental ensembles

The Instrumental Chamber Ensembles meet at different times during the week, depending on the schedule of the members of each ensemble. These musicians perform a wide variety of classical music from all time periods. Instrumentalists will be placed in small groups of approximately 3 - 8 players based on compatible abilities. Acceptance into the Instrumental Chamber Ensembles is by audition and at the discretion of the director, Ben Bolt-Martin.

The University of Waterloo Stage Band meets every Monday in the Great Hall (Conrad Grebel University College, room 1111) from 7:00 to 10:00 pm. The University of Waterloo Stage Band is available in fall and winter. The director tries to accommodate both traditional and non-traditional jazz instruments in the ensemble. Acceptance into the Stage Band is by audition and at the discretion of the director, Michael Wood.

Technique ensemble

Vocal Techniques is structured in a lab format and is led by Stephanie Kramer. It covers the foundations of singing, basic pedagogy, diction/phonetics, practice routines, and performance tips designed to prepare students for more in-depth individual voice instruction. There will be opportunity to sing a variety of repertoire during class time using the skills covered. This course is also useful for pianists interested in vocal accompanying. All University of Waterloo students and community members are welcome to participate in Vocal Techniques for credit or as an extracurricular activity. The class will meet on Wednesday evenings from 7:00-9:00 pm in room 1302.

Note: the sequence for enrolling in all music ensemble courses for credit, regardless of the particular ensemble, is as follows for all students:

1. MUSIC 116 (first term)
2. MUSIC 117 (second term)
3. MUSIC 216 (third term)
4. MUSIC 217 (fourth term)
5. MUSIC 316 (fifth term)
6. MUSIC 317 (sixth term)

Sign up for all ensemble auditions will be available on the bulletin board outside the music office (room 1104) a few weeks prior to the start of term. Each ensemble also has an information sheet that is term specific: see audition requirements web page.